When talking about Iowa women’s basketball, the first name that comes to mind is Caitlin Clark . On Friday, however, a different female hooper took the attention of the NCAA Tournament. Audi Crooks of the Iowa State Cyclones was all the buzz after the freshman dropped an insane 40 points to lead a comeback victory.
The Cyclones trailed by as much as 20 points before storming in the second half behind Crooks’ heroics.
Iowa State Cyclones’ Audi Crooks Was Unconscious
Against a fiery Maryland Terrapins squad, the Cyclones found themselves in deep trouble after trailing by 13 points right off the bat in the first quarter.
The Terrapins pushed the lead to 20 in the second quarter before settling for a 16-point advantage at halftime. Knowing that she needs to step up for the Cyclones in order to win, Crooks responded to the call and went unconscious as she dominated the painted area.
Iowa State tied the game after the third quarter at 66-66, outscoring Maryland 30-14. The Cyclones went on to maintain that momentum, with the freshman Crooks leading the way. She finished with a monster double-double of 40 points and 12 rebounds.
Making things even more amazing, Crooks shot 18-of-20 from the field, becoming the first player in the past 25 years to have a 40-piece while shooting 90 percent or better, via ESPN. Her scoring outburst also tied the the single-game record for an Iowa State and Big 12 player in the NCAA Tournament.
It’s Crooks first-ever NCAA Tournament game, and for her to achieve such, it’s definitely quite the incredible feat.
After the game, however, Crooks made sure to turn the attention of everyone to her teammates.
“When you’re surrounded by people that you love, that care about you, that trust you as much as they do to get me the ball, that speaks volumes to how we play as a unit,” Crooks shared, via Des Moines Register. “I just bow down to the guards.
“This is a big night, not for me, but for Iowa State.”
Iowa State Cyclones’ Audi Crooks Goes Viral
As mentioned, the Iowa State Cyclones star was the talk of the town on Friday night following her incredible outing.
Among the players who gave her a shoutout was Aliyah Boston of the Indiana Fever, who wrote on X: This tweet is simply an Audi Crooks appreciation tweet!! Pure dominance this game.”
Former Iowa State men’s basketball star and current NBA All-Star Tyrese Haliburton also showered Audi Crooks some love, writing her name in excitement.
Meanwhile. Maryland coach Brenda Frese couldn’t help but give credit where it is due, saying that “She is one of a kind.”
Crooks certainly deserves the recognition she’s getting. As Iowa State now prepares for Stanford, all eyes will be on Crooks and if she can replicate her success once again.
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